State Rep. Ben Leman seeks re-election to House District 13

Texas State Rep. Ben Leman speaks during a recent luncheon for the Sealy Chamber of Commerce. He recently announced his intention run for re-election in House District 13.

Joe Southern/Sealy News

Posted
Tuesday, August 20, 2019 1:01 pm

Contributed report

Texas State Rep. Ben Leman recently announced his campaign for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives in House District 13.

The district covers Austin, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lavaca, and Washington counties. “I am excited to continue delivering on the accomplishments achieved in the 86th Texas Legislature,” said Leman, who was first elected in a special election and then re-elected in November 2018. “I am proud of all that we were able to accomplish this session. We provided $5 billion in property tax relief, more than $800 million to strengthen border security, and increased education funding by approximately $9 billion. We also worked to strengthen gun owner rights, including during a natural disaster when Texans are most vulnerable.” This session, he authored and passed important legislation to crack down on telemarketers who spoof phone numbers, an effort that was widely supported by the governor, attorney general and the legislature as a whole. He also took a principled stand for property owners rights in the fight against the high-speed rail project and efforts to falsely claim eminent domain authority. Finally, he ensured that every valedictorian in rural school districts is guaranteed access to any public state university or college of their choosing. A strong, pro-life Christian, Leman helped pass a measure that banned local governments from funding abortion providers. This session, Leman also helped pass new measures that empower people to carry handguns in churches, schools, apartments, and disaster zones. In all, he co-authored four pro-gun bills and four pro-life bills that became law. Leman also authored and passed a bill ensuring illegal immigrants convicted of a crime are not able to avoid deportation by appealing plea bargains on the basis they were not aware they could be deported. He also supported measures to expand efforts to secure and protect the southern border with Mexico. In total, Leman passed 10 bills in his first session. “The Texas economy is going strong; however our values continue to be under attack,” he said during his announcement. “I will continue to fight to ensure rural Texans have access to health care and educational opportunities for their children. That includes fighting to ensure Texas resources go to Texas citizens.”